Monday, June 15, 2009

Colette Gale is Seducing the Classics

Today, I'm very happy to host talented author and good friend Colette Gale, who is making a name for herself in the erotic romance world by retelling classic tales with, shall we say, a bit of a spicier twist. And Colette is giving away not one, not two, but all three of her published novels. So today, we'll have three lucky winners -- so be sure to ask Colette questions, make observations, etc. Maybe even tell us what classic tale you'd like to see given an erotic twist.

Q. Your third "Seducing the Classics" release, Bound by Honor, just came out last month. Tell us a bit about this erotic tale of Maid Marian, Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

A. I am a particular fan of love triangles, and I always thought it would be wonderfully fun to do the Marian/Robin/Nottingham love triangle in a "seduced" way. In fact, I've wanted to do this particular love triangle as an erotic novel for years, because I had a certain take on the story in mind, and was dying to try it out. It took me almost two years to convince my editor that Robin Hood wasn't just a kid's story (a la Disney's foxy Robin) and that this love triangle needed to be told.

But with the popularity of BBC America's Robin Hood series and the upcoming film with Russell Crowe as Nottingham, we finally agreed that the time was right. And in my book, you'll see a very strong-willed Marian, who is a woman bound by her honor to do what her liege orders her to do. She's smart and beautiful, and a very confident romantic heroine.

Robin of Locksley, aka Robin Hood, is a charming rakehell, who's very brave and a little egotistical. He's fully aware of his affect on women--the masked bandit who might sneak into the castle to steal a kiss before slipping off into the shadows. But he's also a little lost, looking for the right woman to love--even though he doesn't quite realize it. He's been displaced from his lands, and forced to become an outlaw as he tries to figure out a way to get them back.

William de Wendeval, the Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, is a dark, angry man who once upon a time was an honorable knight. But now he struggles between his desires and that bruised honor, between what he knows is right, and what his liege demands of him.

Nottingham is the right-hand man of Prince John, who is a lecher and repulsive in his own right. John holds his own "Court of Pleasure" most every evening, inviting and at times demanding that the women of the court participate. Between his own version of chess, and the night of the "living statues," John is clearly a most lascivious, depraved man.

However, despite the erotic scenes in my books--which do push the boundaries of a "historical romance" novel, because there are sex scenes with characters other than the hero and heroine, and because they are sometimes intimate with others--at the heart of each one is a true love story. A real romance.

In my mind, what makes these erotic versions different from sexy romance novels is that the relationship between the hero and heroine grows and develops and is shown mainly through the sex scenes. Each sex scene, believe it or not, has a purpose in the development of the relationship, and that's how we see the relationship grow.

Q. I'm curious how the idea of retelling classic stories with an erotic twist came to you. Was it a deliberate effort or did the idea just come to you?

A. My first "seduced classic," UNMASQUED: An Erotic Novel of the Phantom of the Opera, was something I just started to write for myself. I am a fan of erotic novels, and I was always fascinated by Andrew Lloyd Webber's take on the original story. He romanticized and, dare I say, eroticized, the original in such a way that I was furious when Christine didn't stay with the Phantom at the end of the play/movie.

So I decided I wanted to not only know what happened down in his lair during those days she was there, but that I also wanted her to stay with the Phantom. So I wrote my version of the story, which was my first shot at writing an erotic novel. My agent loved it (although she confessed that it made her blush to read it), and we sold it to NAL. After that came a whole discussion about what classic I should do next. I wanted to do Robin Hood/Marian/Nottingham, but as I mentioned above, my editor wasn't as keen on the idea.

But when she suggested that I do a version of The Count of Monte Cristo, I jumped at the chance. It was a perfect book to write a "dirty" version of--the behind the scenes, what really happened when the doors were closed aspect.

In fact, unlike my version of The Phantom of the Opera, I followed the story line of Dumas's original classic very closely. I wrote much of the book from Mercedes's point of view, but there are actually three love stories in Master: An Erotic Novel of the Count of Monte Cristo, and I must say that I'm very proud of that book. Each relationship is very different, and again, as I mentioned above, each sex scene in that book further develops not only the hero and heroine's relationship, but also character.

The main story, that of Mercedes and the Count of Monte Cristo, is built around his desire for revenge on her for the wrong she's done to him. There's another subplot with a female slave who is the agressor in a relationship with another male slave. And the third is a very sweet love story in which the hero and heroine have a fence between them at all times.

Such fun I had with those three plots! I really loved that book. Throw in the fact that in the original Dumas there were not only orgies and hashish, but danger and a fascinating plot, and voila! The perfect idea for a "behind the scenes" look at the story.

Q. The covers for your books have been beautiful. I'm particularly partial to Bound By Honor. I love the colors. Do you have input into the covers, or are you totally surprised each time you see them?

A. I love my covers. And thank you for the compliments! I love them all, but when I saw the cover for Master, I thought it was the most beautiful cover I'd ever seen. But when I saw the cover for Bound by Honor, I had to change my mind! The art department really outdid themselves on it, didn't they?

I can take no credit for anything regarding the covers. The conception was all from the designers at NAL, and they're absolutely perfect. I just love them.

Q. Who are some of your favorite erotic romance authors?

A. I have always loved Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty series; in fact, after The Story of O, that was my first foray into erotica. I also love Bertrice Small's Skye O'Malley series--and I think she did wonders (Ms. Small, I mean) for helping to push the boundaries of romance into erotica, way back in the '70s/early '80s.

Q. What are you working on now? What tales do you hope to give an erotic twist in the future?

A. Right now, I'm not working on anything as a seduced classic. In order to do another one, I have to have the right idea, and I simply don't have an idea that has the right "feel." I have a couple of ideas in mind and we'll see if they pan out.

Part of the reason I'm waffling is because in each of my books, I generally write twenty chapters or so. And my goal is, because it's an "erotic novel," that there is at least one sex scene per chapter--i.e., someone's going to get off. Somehow, some way. ;-)

So that's a lot of sex scenes (60 in my eroticas alone), and, quite frankly, a lot of ways to have to describe an org*sm. Yannow? I want to keep the scenes fresh and erotic and titillating for both me and the reader, and I don't want the quality to suffer because I'm doing too many or rushing them. That's why I can only do no more than one erotic novel per year, at the most.

However, many of you know that I also write under my other name, which is a not-very-well-kept secret. I recently released the last in my Gardella Vampire Chronicles series, and I have a brand new series coming out in early 2010 that doesn't have vampires in it (it has zombies) and it isn't set in the past (it's set in the future). So I've been busy working on the first three books in that series, and hopefully Trish and the Banditas will have more information about that when the time is closer. ;-)

Q. Anything you'd like to ask our lovely blog visitors today?

A. Simple: Robin Hood or Nottingham? And why?

Don't forget to comment today for your chance to win one of Colette's steamy reads.

79 comments:

Thanks for visiting with us today, Colette. To answer your question...Robin Hood; yes because he's the hero. I can't get past the "villain" and "lecherous desire" for Maid Marian that the Sheriff is described as/having. As for the classics- love them. A spicing them up... I love that too :D The Scarlet Pimpernel, Wives and Daughters, Tess of the D'urbervilles, Rebecca- there is so much potential! Cyrano de Bergerac...

Hi Colette,Congrats on the new release. I haven't read any of books, but I have read four of your Gardella books written under Colleen Gleason. I'm definitely choosing Robin. I still see Errol Flynn every time Robin Hood is mentioned, but I think Russell Crowe will be great in the role.

Great interview Ladies and yes I am going to choose Robin Hood as well he is one of my all time favourite heros and I love watching my DVD with Errol Flynn in it and am very much looking forward to Russell Crowe's new movie.

I have read a few historical erotic stories by Jess Michaels and have loved them and yours sound fantastic I have added them to my must get list.

I LOVE Phantom of the Opera!! I too thought that the Phantom shpuld have won Christine in Andrew LLoyd Webber's version! My husband gave me the CD as an anniversary present and it's one of my favorites.

I read The Count of Monte Cristo way back in HS.

I'll go with Robin Hood! Loved Kevin Costner in Prince of Thieves. I even enjoyed the children's version with the fox as Robin Hood.

I love this idea of reimagining the classics from an erotic POV! What a fresh twist! I'll look forward to the Robin Hood story, especially, as my kids have burned the Disney version into my head unmercifully. It'll be interesting to see if something else can knock it out of there, or if I'm doomed to hear Roger Miller twanging away in my head every time I think Robin Hood. :-)

But I do love Lady Cluck.

As for Robin Hood vs. The Sheriff of Nottingham? Well, if we're doing the disney version, Robin, of course. (Though if I can do farther afield, I wouldn't my taking a crack at Little John. I love a guy with a sense of humor.)

Gannon, I'm with you and the others who've said Robin. Even though I do appreciate the easy-on-the-eyes Richard Armitage as Guy of Gisborne. But the sheriff -- shudder. Though Keith Allen is great in that role.

Jane, I actually found a photo of the new Robin Hood (evidently they've changed the name of Nottingham) with Russell in the RH role:

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1090620160/tt0955308

I think he's a great actor, and I love the Robin Hood story, so I'm sure I'll see this on the big screen.

It looks like it's going to have quite the cast: Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian, Matthew McFadyen (Mr. Darcy in the newest P&P) as the Sheriff of Nottingham -- this is only rumored; William Hurt; Vanessa Redgrave, etc.

Helen, would you believe I've never seen the Errol Flynn Robin Hood? I need to do that. I see Olivia de Havilland played Maid Marian, and I really like her. She was one of those gorgeous, ethereal, Old Hollywood beauties.

Enid, I enjoyed the BBC's Robin Hood until the end of last season. Could...not...believe! I'll probably watch this third and final season because, well, I'm curious how they could possibly recover from what they did.

Blodeuedd, I wonder if Richard knows just how many women he's won over with that role. He's so different in interviews from the role -- kind of quiet, nice, seems to be a little bowled over by the reaction to his work. I loved him in the BBC's North & South too.

LOL, Susan, on having the Disney version burned into your brain. I think all moms must suffer something similar. I believe my sister could probably quote all the Hannah Montana episodes as much as my niece has watched them over...and over...and over.

Hey Colette! Welcome to the Lair! (Now why that sounds naughty to me after reading your post, I have no idea, but it does. Snork!)

Lime! Congrats on nabbing the bird today! :>

Colette, I LOVE this concept and now I'm going off to B&N to pick your books up. I am PSYCHED that you retold Phantom. I too was incensed that the Phantom didn't get the heroine. Urg. So annoying. Glad you fixed that. Ha!

Wonderful too, about the Count and the others. I'm looking forward to reading them

Oh my, between the two, Robin Hood all the way. Errol Flynn in green tights is THE Robin Hood. Dashing, handsome,heroic with that sly, wicked grin.I enjoy the BBC series, but I will admit, I watch for Richard Armitage as Guy of Gisbourne, LOL! Richard had me hooked with North and South.I would love to see him on a few romance covers! LOL!

And looking forward to the Ridley Scott movie, Russell Crowe AND Matthew MacFadyen?? *thud* Just wrote something about Robin Hood on my blog a while back!!

Your book sounds utterly fascinating! Will look for it, And have you considered an erotica version of King Arthur? There was a triangle!

If we're using the literary example then it's definitely Robin Hood. He's heroic, loyal, and helpful. If were talking the BBC version then it's Guy of Gisbourne. I adore Richard Armitage! As for a classic I'd like to see steamed up a bit, it would be anything by Jane Austen.

And funny you should mention the King Arthur idea for a love triangle...that's definitely one I'm considering doing for another seduced classic.

What I'd really like to do is Tarzan, based on the original book. He was quite the superhero really--once he left the jungle, he really came into his own as Lord Whoever he was.

But the word Tarzan is trademarked by Disney and so even though the book is in the public domain, the actual name "Tarzan" isn't.

Another one I'm thinking about doing is The Scarlet Pimpernel. After that movie version with Jane Seymour and Anthony Andrews...so many possibilities there!

I've had many people write to me and tell me they were very pleased with the way BOUND BY HONOR resolved its love triangle...that they felt it worked out the way they wanted it to! I hope those of you who have a chance to read it will also agree. ;-)

Colette, welcome to the Lair. Putting your own spin on the classics sounds like great fun, and a little heat (or a lot) is always welcome.

As for your question, Robin Hood. Always. Maybe that's because my perceptions were shaped at an early age by Robin on TV or because I fell in love with Errol Flynn in my twenties or because the Sheriff has always been portrayed as corrupt. I have a thing for archery, which was the most fun PE class I ever took, probably because of Robin Hood.

All that said, however, I subscribe to the theory that every villain should be the hero of his own story, an idea that often gets short shrift when it comes to the Sheriff of Nottingham. Giving him some depth and a few shades of gray is a terrific idea. I'll be interested to see what you've done with him.

Trish, I absolutely cannot believe someone who loves adventure movies as much as you do has never seen Flynn's Robin Hood! I had to pick myself up off the floor when I read that post. (And believe me, the thud when we fell did the laptop no good!)

Come down here, and we'll watch my copy of the digitally remastered anniversary addition together, and then we can watch the archery demonstrations on the DVD, which are way cool, and finish off with the comic footage of Basil Rathbone trying on different costume helmets.

Colette - That Bound cover is BEAUTIFUL!!! Love it. I'm really hoping the Nottingham movie & the success of your book opens the door for more medievals. I haven't seen as many on the shelves as I'd like.

I love the way you twist the classics to make erotic novels. Brilliant! I hope you do many more.

As to Robin Hood or Nottingham -- I'd lean toward Robin Hood based on past representations of him. I'm sure yours will be so different that the choice will be difficult.

Colette--what a fun way to reinvent the classics! Can't wait to try out one of your books. I love the Robin Hood legend, but I'm partial to Michael Praed as Robin Hood. Even with his mullet, LOL.

As an aside, did you notice that Master had your author name spelled wrong on this site? I checked Amazon, and it's spelled correctly there on the cover. Wonder what happened to this particular jpg file? Sorry, former teacher here! :)

Colette, welcome back to the lair. And Trish, great interview! I so agree with you about those covers - they're spine-tinglingly good. I love your idea of rewriting the classics as naughty books. I don't actually sit around wanting sex scenes in Pride and Prejudice because I think it's great as it is but some books just scream to get behind the bedroom door. It wouldn't be sexy but imagine what the sex scenes between Dorothea and Casaubon are like in Middlemarch. Ewwwwww!

Actually Robin or the Sheriff depends on the movie/TV show. Give me Richard Armitage over RH in the BBC show, which I don't particularly like, sadly. Although RH is Guy of Gisborne so I suppose that's adding an extra player. In the movie, I'd much rather Alan Rickman to Kevin Costner. In the Errol Flynn version, it's Errol all the way!!!

I love the ITV Robin Hood too, RF. I thought MP was absolutely gorgeous as Robin and Jason Connery wasn't too shabby either. And Nikolas Grace was a wonderful sheriff. I sat next to him once at a play which was a great thrill - he's always Anthony Blanch in Brideshead to me. Surprising to hear him talk to his companion without the trademark stutter!

Colette, welcome back to the Lair! (Good job snagging the GR, Lime!) I loved our conversation about Phantom Of the Opera last time you were here. I am a huge fan of the classics and love that you are revisiting them!

I have to say that neither Robin nor Nottingham really did it for me. I was a huge fan of Little John, though. Nothing but brawn there! Robin did have his points, though. *g*

What classic are you dying to revisit but maybe haven't found an angle to work yet?

Thank you for your compliments on the covers, ladies! (and gentlemen?)

@Duchesse...and all...I know. I can't understand how the Burroughs estate would have allowed it to happen as well. But it has. :-(

I loved the original Burroughs Tarzan too. Talk about a yummy alpha hero!

And OMG did you just hear? For Disney's next big franchise, John Carter of Mars is going to be played by none other than Taylor Kitsch!!!! I am soooo excited and I don't even know who John Carter of Mars is! But I'm going to find out!

@Anna So glad to be back--and thank you for the warm welcome. Will I see you at RWA this year?

@Genella...thank you so much for reading Unmasqued. I'm glad you enjoyed it! People either seem to love it or hate it (depending whether you're a Phantom purist or not, and/or whether you like erotic sex scenes or not....)

@Joan, @Cristie and @Caren, thank you for the glorious welcomes as well! I always have a great time here with the Banditas. :-)

Interesting take on the old classics. And it would definitely have to be the roguish Robin - unless you could turn Nottingham into Gerard Butler or Richard Armitage or Michael Fassbender...what was I saying?

Colette said: And OMG did you just hear? For Disney's next big franchise, John Carter of Mars is going to be played by none other than Taylor Kitsch!!!! I am soooo excited and I don't even know who John Carter of Mars is! But I'm going to find out!

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Donna MacMeans, Trish Milburn, and Nancy Northcott will all be in Atlanta for the Moonlight and Magnolias conference in Decatur, Georgia September 30 through October 2nd. If you're in the area, stop by for the booksigning. We'd love to see you.

Redeeming the Rogue by Donna MacMeans received a 4.5 star TOP PICK! review from Romantic Times Magazine.

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